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American Aquarium: Two home dates this week

***UPDATE: Due to the NC State Fair being closed on Thursday, October 11, American Aquarium will play at The Pour House in Raleigh (free admission)***

American Aquarium is set to play the NC State Fair in Raleigh, where lead singer B.J. Barham calls home, and The Ramkat in Winston-Salem on Thursday and Friday – respectively. Barham has always been a proponent of the long leaf pine and his North Carolina roots. Originally flanked by a few North Carolinians in the band, the group has recently undergone a significant lineup shift but continues to press forward, gaining new fans and influencing others with their music on a consistent basis.

Gaining notoriety around North Carolina behind a tireless touring schedule featuring hole in the wall bars and restaurants from Blowing Rock to Statesville, the capital city of Raleigh and even a few homecoming shows pre-Thanksgiving in Reidsville, the band never failed to entertain. No matter the audience size or familiarity, Barham was going to connect with his fans and it’s this persistence that expanded their base, leading to tours across America and internationally with sell outs in tow.

From humble beginnings the band now regularly receives invitations to festivals, including The Music Fest, Medicine Stone and an appearance at Mile 0 Fest next year, in addition to traveling across the pond for another upcoming European tour later this month. Despite their rigorous schedule American Aquarium has also cranked out numerous albums which transcend time and appeal to the current state of Barham and his feelings.

Burn, Flicker, Die was originally intended to be the final album from the group but instead propelled them to even greater heights. Well received by both fans and critics, the album did just the opposite and allowed Barham and his band to continue touring and making a living but it came at a cost. A few years later the entire lineup would announce a shift in focus after their third “Roadtrip to Raleigh” with year four completed under Barham and an entirely new lineup behind him.

The band released another album, Wolves and their next, which was released earlier this year is arguably the best yet. Things Change encompasses the influences surrounding Barham and his band, in addition to the personal aspects of his own life. Since Wolves, Barham has gotten sober, married and welcomed his first child, a daughter, into the world.

Barham is learning to manage both touring and being a father, while also maintaining a strong commitment to his music. The show dates may not come as frequently, but American Aquarium has been and will continue to be on the road plenty, as their impact on the current music scene has been made and people from around the country are continually taking notice.

American Aquarium is destined for great things behind Barham and their latest break will only leave fans wanting more. “Things Change” in every aspect of life, but the ability to adapt and forge a way has been a staple of Barham and his music. Telling personal tales that anyone can relate to and striking a chord among his followers, although changes are in store, the foundation remains.

Catch American Aquarium at one of two upcoming North Carolina dates this week behind a new album, lineup and reinvigorated lead singer.